Liverpool vs. Watford Predictions: Expect the Reds to unleash shots galore

Liverpool welcome Premier League strugglers to Anfield this Saturday, and the earlier kick-off time allows them to pile on the pressure in the title race. Their only rivals for the crown take on Burnley in one of the 3pm games, so Klopp will be keen to ensure his team take the opportunity here.

Liverpool have been fantastic for much of the season and have managed to wrestle control of the title from City’s grasp in recent months, with many tv pundits declaring the race for the title over in December.

The home side come into this match in fantastic form. Their only defeat in their last 20 games in all competitions, came in their last match at home to Inter Milan. They were beaten 1-0, but it was a result that didn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things, with Liverpool progressing in the competition regardless.

Former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is currently in charge of Watford, but he wasn’t in the dugout for the drubbing they endured at the hands of Klopp’s side earlier in the season. Liverpool were 5-0 winners on that day, Firmino bagged 3 of the 5 goals. 

Watford recorded an impressive victory in their last Premier League match. The Hornets beat Southampton 2-1 away from home in their last match and they will be hoping that they can replicate those types of performances in their remaining games to climb out of the relegation zone.

Liverpool’s shot numbers have been rocketing in recent matches. They are averaging 20.7 shots per game in their last 10 matches at home, and the opponent’s standing in the table suggests they could hit a few more than that here. Some of the standout numbers in those games are the 29 vs Norwich, 27 vs Brentford, 23 vs Leeds and 22 vs both West Ham and Leicester.

Liverpool’s talisman Mo Salah will also have a point to prove after missing a penalty for Egypt midweek, and his keenness to find the net should help those Liverpool shots fly.

On the last 5 occasions where Liverpool have been similarly priced to win the match, they are averaging 22.4 shots per game. Watford opponents in their last 5 similar matches are averaging 19.4 shots per game.

Van Dijk is averaging 76.6 passes per game in their league this season, and this climbs to 82.1 passes per game when playing at Anfield. The Dutchman made 103 passes in the 5-0 win over Watford earlier in the season and I expect him to hit similar numbers here.

The goal kicks side of this bet goes hand-in-hand with my selection for best bet. I think we can expect a shooting gallery here and inevitably Liverpool will occasionally miss the target. Liverpool’s last 10 matches at home have seen their opponents average just under 10 goal kicks per game. Watford themselves are averaging 8.6 goal kicks per game in their last 10 away matches, so it’s fair to say we can expect goal kicks for the away side here.